Victoria’s public fertility care program produced 21 pregnancies in its first year.
The Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) and Monash Health accepted almost 2000 referrals to the program in its first 12 months.
About 1100 patients started treatment, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI) or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI).
The first baby conceived under the program – Felix – was born to Erin and Anthony in October last year, thanks to Monash Health’s fertility service.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas visited RWH to mark one year of the program on 12 November.
The program will enable up to 5000 Victorians to access these services every year – delivering up to 3375 treatment cycles – helping them save up to $10,000.
“For too long and for too many, treatments like IVF have been financially out of reach – it’s why we’ve invested in this Australian-first program to ensure more affordable and more accessible fertility care for all Victorians,” Ms Thomas said.
Other services available through the program include fertility preservation, such as egg freezing for people undergoing medical treatment for illnesses that might compromise their fertility, such as cancer.
RWH’s reproductive services head, Associate Professor Kate Stern, was proud of her highly specialised team providing the world-class service so more Victorians could become parents.
“I think it’s so brave for people to take the first step and have the conversation about their fertility and find out what can be done to help,” she said.
Monash Health deputy chief operating officer Andrea Rindt said the team at Monash Health and Monash Women’s were thrilled for Erin and Anthony, and for the opportunity to assist them conceive Felix.
“As the largest maternity service in Victoria, delivering over 11,000 babies per year, it’s been wonderful to expand our service through the public program, supporting couples like Erin and Anthony welcome a new addition to their family,” he said.
